Marlins rumored to be in the mix for Manny

MIAMI — A deal that would send Manny Ramirez to Florida may be a long shot, but Marlins president David Samson didn't rule it out Wednesday, less than 24 hours before the trade deadline.

The Associated Press

MIAMI — A deal that would send Manny Ramirez to Florida may be a long shot, but Marlins president David Samson didn't rule it out Wednesday, less than 24 hours before the trade deadline.

On his weekly radio show, Samson addressed reports the Marlins are discussing a trade to acquire Ramirez from the Boston Red Sox.

"The Marlins always seem to be in the middle of everything," Samson said on WAXY-AM. "It takes two to tango. We're looking everywhere. We're making calls. We're getting calls. But we're not going to be stupid."

Asked specifically if a deal for Ramirez was possible, Samson said, "I've always told you everything is possible. There are all sorts of crazy things. There's no way to say which trades are going to happen."

The deal would seem improbable because Ramirez makes nearly as much as the Marlins' entire roster — he's in the final guaranteed season of his eight-year, $160 million contract.

The Marlins' payroll of $22 million is by far the smallest in the majors.

Florida president for baseball operations Larry Beinfest had only one comment for reporters as he attempted to cut off questions about Ramirez.

"Talk about tonight's game, guys," Beinfest said.

Despite the Marlins' success this season, they're last in the majors in attendance.